[Eisenstein]

How is this any different from arguing in person? You state 'on the internet' as if it is some kind of exception and makes "People know what they know because they know what they know" a fact that exists only there.

What you neglect totally are these:

1. this can be fact of arguments anywhere, and the key to having a decent one is for all members to act in good faith

2. the internet affords the ability to find sources quickly and quote them, unlike non-internet (especially before smart phones) where it is 'who can say things most convincingly or plead to already existing biases' (which of course does happen, but at least opposition has a chance)

3. on the internet you are not arguing with one person, you are holding a public debate which is forever etched into history for anyone to read

[robomartin]

Simple. Most people do not behave as they do online when in person. Or, put a different way, the online physical gap enables behaviors and interactions not often seen in person.

And, yes, in real life you better know what you are talking about. You can’t google yourself out of it, particularly in professional settings.